Word, when it came, was both sudden and unexpected.  The first casualty of war had occurred without warning, in a manner no one understood.

All of your meetings, all of your plans, are interrupted by a messenger from Doji Kasarugi, daimyo of Toshi Ranbo, "inviting" every honorable samurai to attend him in Court within the Tsume Palace.  It is an invitation punctuated by armed guards for those not of Crane descent.  Rumors do not fly in silence--and there is an abundance of silence in a room lined with armed ashigaru and samurai--yet there is a sense of anticipation, as if war is about to be--or has already been--declared.  It is into this silence that Doji Kasurugi speaks:

"Doji Kusanagi, commander of the Crane armies of Toshi Ranbo, is dead by the hands of the enemies of the Crane," he declares, "until his murderer is apprehended, no one--eta or samurai, shisa or shugenja--may leave the City under any circumstances, for any reason."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:28, Tue 06 May 2008.

Satoru sat, staggered by the news. He said nothing but looked to see how his fellows reacted. Pushing all memories of his Lord aside. He concentrated on how best to still serve. His murderer must be found... and dealt with. He would need to request a chance to help the investigation, but his past expertise will prove most helpful in this regard. He was sure Kasarugi would give him the honor.

Manami knelt quietly, her eyes hidden behind the sheer black veil that hung over her eyes.  The only motion she made, was forming her mouth into an "O" of silent surprise.  This was indeed a new twist of fate.  Was there merely one force at work or several competing and disrupting each others plans?  She thought to herself was of getting deeply involved into the investigation.  She would need the perfect angle.

Rage...Sudden and staggering rage, Akis blood boils from it. The viens on his forhead and neck stand in relife against his taught flesh. How could this have happened, the men of this castle are amonge the Cranes finest. Aki's hand fumbels about his obi where his Katana should be out of refelex. Honor or not Aki will cut down every one involved in this treachery!

[Just to confirm, this is NOT the Lord of the City that was found dead, ne?]

Sakura sat in stunned silence for a moment. She did wish to speak to Kasurugi, but couldn't do so under these circumstances.

"Lord Kasurugi ...."

She paused only a heartbeat, only enough for etiquette to be satisfied yet not enough to be interrupted.

"May I ask the identity of the Magistrate assigned to this case?"

There was something left unsaid that showed in her eyes, something that Kasurugi -- and those present at the greeting -- should know that the others would not. If Sakura was to complete the mission given to her by Doji Kuwanan then she must be permitted to investigate this matter, even if only as an assistant.

[Hmmm ... looking at the list, are myself and Kedo the only ones left from the original Kuwanan group? Or is Ukyo still around somewhere?]

Kumi sits there staring at the messanger. Lucky she decided to wear her half-mempo had she not the others would have noticed that seemed unmoved at all by what happened.Just what I need, magestrates snopping around. Now it would seem I need to involve the pesants to get my job done. Not something I enjoy. With a heavy sigh Kumi leans against one of the colums near the back of the room and waits.

 Depending upon the level of offensiveness and force displayed by the group sent to 'apprehend' Sakura and himself there may have been quite a dangerous moment when the uards came bursting into a perfectly pleasant little scene between the Sensei, student, shugenja and himself but ultimately Kedo is a man of soft words and slow anger, and so he simply escorts his ward to the meeting, where the shocking announcement is made.

 Oh my.

 His head turns slightly to consider Daidoji Sakura as though looking to her for a lead, then swings about to contemplate others in the crowd, as though wondering which - if any - of those assembled might have come to the meeting with blood upon their hands.

Satoru's face became a mask but his eyes bore into the Daidoji. Curiousity was ill suited for this moment, the monk thought, but did not speak. His Lord would know waht to do and who to put where. He was positive of that.

The only reaction on Hidemoto's face is a momentary grimace and then an iron look.

Odd, he thought to himself, there's a long list of insults that could be thrown at the Lion, all valid, but "Assassins" wasn't one of them. And at this moment they are the only ones who would want to kill the man.

It will cause some chaos but if the governor is quick then the effects of the commander's death can be mitigated.

It would seem that the Lion are not the only ones that wish to see this city fall... Kumi's voice is firm but sweet.

"That is something that is still to be determined," Doji Kasarugi replies in answer to both questions, "rest assured, the Crane will punish those responsible for this heinous act.  In the meantime, those without legitimate ties to the Crane are to be kept under guard until such time as the truth of their involvement can be determined.  This session is now concluded, return to your locations of residence until further notice."

[Private to Bayushi Kenji; Soshi Manami; Tsuruchi Hidemoto; Kedo: make a Perception/Investigation (notice) check TN 15]
[Private to Asahina Jiro; Daidoji Kumi; Daidoji Sakura; Daidoji Tsukiko; Doji Akibieden; Doji Minako; Kakita Zenko; Satoru: an unobtrusive servant approaches you during Doji Kasarugi's announcement bearing a message: I would meet with you once the crowd has dispersed, Doji Kasarugi]
[Private to Daidoji Kumi; Daidoji Sakura: one of the Daidoji guards passes near you and whispers Ryu says that there are decisions to be made, meet at the Daidoji Complex tonight.]

"Truely a tradgedy.  Doji Kusanagi will be sorely missed.  May I offer my humble services ?  Perhaps I may be of some small assistance to your investigative efforts. ", Manami offered with a sincere bow.

[Private to GM:
17:51, Today: Secret Roll: Soshi Manami rolled 23 using 7d10, keeping the 2 highest rolls, rerolling max. Perception 2 / investigation 5.
]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Sat 10 May 2008.

Sakura bowed her head in respectful acknowledgment to Kasarugi's answer. There were a few things that would need to be discussed in private, details that would be critical in the short term as well as the long. Sakura winced when she heard the Scorpion speak, and waited for a reaction.

This would require extreme delicacy, especially in front of all these witnesses ...

Hidemoto says nothing and simply returns to the Mantis embassy, thinking of how to relate the news to Yoritomo Akuto.

[Private to GM: Hidemoto is fairly oblivous. Now, had you asked for an Awareness roll :) Result: 9 vs DC 15
]

Tsukiko said nothing throughout the whole meeting, such was the shock she felt.  Kusanagi-sama was dead?  And not by any means the Lion would usually employ from the sound of it.

Assassins? the courtier forced her gaze to stay fixed on the Daimyo of Toshi Ranbo, although it was tempting to let it slip to the Scorpion representative and his aides who stood to one side of the room.

Tsukiko removed her fan from her belt and opened it with a flick before bringing it up to her face.  Whatever her expression was, none could read it.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Sensing a light touch at her shoulder, Tsukiko caught a glimpse of the servant out of the corner of her eye.  Tsukiko removed her fan from her belt and opened it with a flick.  A twist of her wrist brought the fan up to her face, taking hold of the note and slipping it behind the paper folds as she swept the fan up.  Holding one corner, she allowed the small note to unfold and read it.  Somewhat comforted that Kusaragi-domo appeared to have something in mind, she folded her fan and the note within it before tucking it away in its accustomed place.]

Seeming to have composed her herself, the fan was closed and Tsukiko turned her attention to those around her, seeking any sign that they had murdered the esteemed Crane samurai.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: 11:59, Today: Kedo rolled 26 using 6d10, dropping the 3 lowest rolls, rerolling max. Perception/Investigation(Notice). ]

 There's not really a great deal that you can say to an instruction like that - Kedo is after all, not himself connected to the house of the Crane yet on the other hand he's the Yojimbo to someone who is... Fortunately he's not required to make any significant choices or decisions himself and can simply settle for looking to Sakura for guidance as the guardsmen walk forth once more.

As the crowd files out of the room Aki seeks out one of his Nikutai, and inquires weather his unit has been assigned to additional guard duty yet. If they have not Aki informs his officer that unless otherwise directed to have the men muster to the practice fields in one hour in full combat dress.  Aki then seeks out the Chui in command of his company and requests an to speak with him along with a couple of guests in 30 min.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Mon 12 May 2008.

"The Crane don't need your 'help', Scorpion," Daidoji Tokagero sneers, "you had your chance when your Clan was disbanded, for all we know, you could've been involved with his death!"

"Peace, Tokagero-san," Doji Kasarugi says passively, "the Crane thank you for your generous offer, Soshi Manami-san.  Perhaps, if our investigators see fit, the Crane will take you up on it." At those words, both Daidoji Ryu and Daidoji Tokagero turn incredulously towards Doji Kasarugi, but they hold their tongues as he continues without pause, "the Scorpion, after all, have never hesitated to pursue justice, regardless of where it leads.  But until then, wait with patience and know that we will not forget your generous offer."

[Private to Kedo: you notice a servant passing notes to Asahina Jiro, Daidoji Kumi, Daidoji Sakura, Daidoji Tsukiko, Doji Akibieden, Doji Minako, Kakita Zenko, and Satoru; and you also notice one of the guards whispering a message to Daidoji Kumi and Daidoji Sakura;  in case it wasn't clear, you're not expected to leave your charge in this situation, but they're also not going to treat you like a full Crane either ^_^]
[Private to Soshi Manami: you notice a servant passing notes to Asahina Jiro, Daidoji Kumi, Daidoji Sakura, Daidoji Tsukiko, Doji Akibieden, Doji Minako, Kakita Zenko, and Satoru]
OOC:  if you're leaving the room let me know where you're going so I can open a new thread for you, people who are staying, I'll have a thread for you too

Daidoji Kumi waits at the back of the room watching the people as they leave.

[Private to Kaze no Kage: Kumi waits until Soshi Manami leaves and approaches her once she is alone.]

Sakura watched the action from her position. She was upset with the initial objections, but quite content with the actions of Doji Kasarugi in response. There would be, after all, objections raised to Scorpion presence. That did not mean, however, that Sakura would permit her well laid plans to go astray because of a few Samurai and their prejudice; the fact that the Daimyo answered the Daidoji simply made things more convenient for her.

No, for all of them.

She waited in her position, unusually silent until all be a select few had left the area.

"Kedo-Kun" she announced quietly, "I must meet with Kasarugi-Dono for a bit."

With that she moved respectfully toward the Lord of the City, content that Kedo would do whatever he deemed appropriate for the situation.

Manami rose smoothly, having judged it to be exactly enough time to have been a thorn in the side of the remaining Crane without over doing it.  With an excuse of going to meditate in the gardens, she stepped outside of room but remained in the hallway respectfully distant from the door as not to overhear things said inside.  After 15 minutes or so, she left the area to go down into the gardens to meditate amidst the flowers.

[Private to GM: communing with the air spirits in the area. This is just a setup for later, I don't need anything at the moment.  I am being subtle , and I have stealth (spellcasting) 3 for TN 15

Today: Secret Roll: Soshi Manami rolled 43 using 8d10+3, keeping the 3 highest rolls, rerolling max. subtle.
 ]

 If Kedo notices the passing of notes or the whispering from person to person he does not give any indication of noticing it - instead he simply stands at a posture very much like that of attention off to one side and waits until Sakura gives him his instructions and then bows before following her - very pointedly stopping a healthy distance short of earshot of the developing conversation and, in fact choosing to stand next to one of the Crane Bushi overlooking the meeting, making it very plain that (even with his sword almost certainly being 'sharpened' by a Crane smith) he's 'on duty' much the same as the honourable Crane.

Aki moves to a place near Kasarugi-sama and watches to see who else has been asked to remain. His stiff posture does nothing to hide the intense anger still burning inside him. Standing aside from the guards but still very much on duty he looks as though he could kill anyone who comes within reach. After a moment he looks to Zenko-san and Kumi-san his expression sending the very clear message "Change of plans guys, and your going to help me"

Satoru rises and walks towards the city's Daimyo. He kneels with the group but makes certain to sit in the back. As experienced as he was it was not his place, as a mere monk to claim a seat that implied higher status. He said nothing taking in the faces and feelings of those around him. Alot could be learned by observation, even the observation of the back of another's head.

Manami settles in a quiet spot in the gardens to compose herself for today's tasks.  She has much to arrange, but for now she lets the quiet serenity fill her mind with peace.

[Private to GM: Ok, Manami casts Secrets on the wind to listen in on what is being planned.  She figures the Crane lord wouldn't be as open with her in the room , so she is spying like a good little scorpion.  That is what my setup was for, the spell require you to be familiar with the area for 10 minutes.  Then you have a good sized radius to affect and listen in on.     ^_^ ]

Kumi waits for everyone to leave before leaving herself and seeking out Doji Kasarugi
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Mon 19 May 2008.

OOC:  sorry for the long wait guys, I keep starting this post and not getting it done ^_^

"As you are all probably aware, we are on the verge of war," Doji Kasarugi says, once all of the non-Crane have departed, "though the Crane are not, by their nature, warmongers, still we must defend ourselves, and to do so our chain of command must be clear.  To that end, I am appointing Daidoji Ryu as Shireikan of Toshi Ranbo's defenses.  All military decisions will be his.

Our other area of difficulty is the death of Doji Kusanagi.  Though it may deprive Daidoji Ryu of a valuable resource, I am appointing Daidoji Sakura the head of the investigation, to be seconded by Daidoji Tsukiko, Doji Minako, and Kakita Zenko.  If you find that you need other resources, Daidoji-san, do not hesitate to ask."

"Doji Akibeiden," Daidoji Ryu says, "your prior experience with the defense of Toshi Ranbo is now a valuable resource.  I am appointing you Chui of the Southern Kaisha, to be seconded by Daidoji Kumi, Asahina Jiro, and Doji Kanisai."

"Satoru-san," Doji Kasarugi bows, "while you have chosen a life of quiet contemplation, the Crane have need of your advice, though we cannot command it.  Please do not hesitate to offer your service, if you feel that it is warranted."

The meeting continues, with various samurai granted differing duties based on their skills.  Overhanging everyone is the pall of war and the unfinished task of acquiring allies for the Crane.

OOC:  just to clarify, everyone just got a field promotion.  Daidoji Sakura is now the magisterial equivalent of a Sergent and those seconded to her are the magisterial equivalent of Corporals.  Doji Akibeiden is now a Military Lieutenant and Daidoji Kumi, Doji Kanisai, and Asahina Jiro are now Military Sergents
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:22, Fri 23 May 2008.

"Thank you" Sakura said with a deep bow, "I will do my best".

When she straightened she addressed Kasarugi in a formal and polite manner.

<Blue>"While I obviously could not say anything in open court, the earlier matter of the Scorpion has been addressed. We have come to an agreement in principal and they have agreed to provide us with 'advisers' until a proper formal agreement can be reached by our betters."

"We cannot expect any formal military aide; however they are willing to assist in minor, very minor really, ways for now. I suspect that having one of their number with us would be of tremendous value, not only for their 'skills' but it would also go a long way towards showing the other clans that we are serious about this matter in an inter-clan sense."

"With your permission, I would like to assign Tsukiko to the matter of the Imperial Shihsa."

It was time for Sakura to begin practicing leadership, just as was suggested to her earlier by a wise Samurai. One of the key aspects of leadership was respect -- specifically respecting the contributions of one's subordinates. It was, of course, wise to know one's own limitations as well -- Sakura could deal with the Scorpion and Ronin well enough, but she was ... somewhat lacking when it came to the more honorable clans.

Which was, of course, most of the Empire.

"My understanding of the law is limited at the moment, but it is my understanding that, lacking Imperial Authority, we do not have the authority to keep them here. In either event, I believe that she would be the best candidate for persuading the honorable Miya to stay in the city -- as an Example of Honor for all the clans to follow."

Sakura glanced toward the new Commander before continuing, this time in a much lower -- and somewhat embarrassed -- tone and even more deferential body language.

"I would also like to ask that you give Ryu-Shirekan permission to send Crane personnel out of the city as he deems prudent."

Apparently an explanation of the latter would only be forthcoming if the Governor requested it ...

 Kedo of course can hear almost nothing of this save the occasional raised or particularly inflected word, and has instead occupied himself with studying every detail of a simple ink-drawing displayed upon a stand off to one side of the doorway, his head slightly tilted to one side as he shifts just a fraction to change the angle from which he sees light falling across it, trying to shift his perceptions past black lines on off-white paper and into that place from which they can truly see what the artist captured.

 In other words, he's not really contributing anything worthwhile to the discussions, save for discretion.

Prior to this....tragedy there where plans for me to bolster the cities defenses through recruiting and training ashagaru. With respect I wish to ask if I may train them as pathfinders instead so that we can bisect the oncoming lions. What I mean by this is we fight and defend the city and once half the assault force has broken through we move the ashagaru and the Daidoji scout units garrisoned in the city in from both side cutting half of the lion's army and trapping them inside of the city  facing a two from battle, granted the scouts will also face this stuck in between the two forces but hopefully the half trapped in the city will fall quickly helping us strengthen the city front. But this will require a lot of luck and the fortunes' blessing to work.

Diadoji Ryu-sama! You honor me to greatly, Aki turns toward his new commander and bows deeply, I will do my utmost to in all my duties. Then to Daidoji Kumi-san All tactical options will be explored Kumi-san, let us call the rest of the unit commanders together for a formal discussion of these maters so that an informed report of our situation and options can be presented to Daidoji Ryu-sama.

Didoji Sakura-san I have made it my business to know who is who in this castle for some time now, and if I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to ask. Also I would like it if Kedo-san was present at our tactical briefing to repeat what you discovered on your travels here. His testimony and understanding of the battle ahead may prove invaluable.

Satoru sat thru the Crane lord's speech taking in the reactions of the Crane. An assasination of this magnitude always created openings and the ambitious will find themselves with new positions. The question is who if anyone caused this dirty deed in an attempt to reap the benefits.

Not much was gleamed from the new promotions but Satoru was initially hurt that he did not seem to have any role to play in the coming conflicts. When he is singled out, Satoru then bowed low and let the others speak.

When a lull in the conversation occurred, Satoru interjected. "My Lord, my services & my life are uses to do with as you wish. Use them or toss them away, I shall obey your commands."

"I will consider it," Doji Kasarugi replies to Daidoji Sakura's request to allow the Crane outside of the City walls, though he glances darkly at Daidoji Ryu, "be content with that."

"Satoru-san," he smiles, "though I am certain that Daidoji Sakura would find your insight invaluable, I feel you would be best seconded to Doji Akibeiden.  Feel free to follow your own inclination, however.

Honorable Crane," the Lord of the City announces, "we all have our duties to complete!  Go about them in a manner that befits the Emperor's Left Hand!"

Having been a recent arrival to bolster the defenses, Kanisai kept quiet to take in gauge how prepared the others really were.  Once the city lord gave them leave, he bowed to his new first.  "I may not have introduced myself earlier," he said to Aki at once.  "I am Doji Kanisai.  I await your orders for the South Wall's defense."

I am honored to have so many great warriors at my disposal. Your skills will be much appreciated in the coming days. As I said too Kumi-san We will need to call a meeting with the other gunso in my company and discuss all of our options. The southern wall has both the main gate and the entrance to the path of the elements. We have been given a great honor and a daunting task.

Sakura turned to Tsukiko and spoke in a formal, but respectful tone. "We cannot order Imperials, however it would be best if they would comply with Lord Kasarugi's wishes. And there will probably be matters of honor involved."

"I leave this matter entirely in your hands. You may have whatever resources you feel that you need. I need to speak to Kasarugi-Dono ASAP, but it will only take a moment. If you need something from me I will return momentarily and we can speak of it then."

[Sakura will wait long enough for a short reply before.]

Sakura respectfully acknowledged Akibieden, giving him a clear indication that she would return shortly. Sakura then approached Doji Kasarugi, the humility clear in her countenance.

"Shitsurei Itashimasta ...*"

"My apologies to both yourself and Commander Ryu. I failed to make it clear that I was asking on my own behalf. If ..."

"If the duties that Kuwanan-Dono gives me lead me outside the walls, I would prefer to not need to burden you with the details. He is the senior Daidoji, so I cannot burden his honor with ... 'unusual requests'."

She then bowed deeply.

"Gomen Kudasai."

She then waited for his reply. Or her seppuku. Which ever came first.

[1) If I understand it correctly, this is a very polite "Excuse me"/"I'm sooo sorry!" (for my previous rudeness). I could be wrong though ...
2) A humble request for forgiveness. (Once again, assuming I got it right ... )
]

 Kedo of course cannot hear the discussion to know that he has been mentioned, nor can he express his misgivings regarding trying to turn a force of peasants into sufficiently skilled Ashigaru in order to employ them in a battle of maneuver against the forces of the Lion without a great deal of time on hand.

 So he simply gazes into the painting, trying to feel the brush-strokes in his mind's eye as readily as he can perceive the strikes of the smith's hammer upon the steel that hangs at a Samaurai's waist.

Daidoji Ryu glowers silently, pointedly looking away from Doji Kasarugi.  "Do not overly concern yourself, Daidoji Sakura-san," Kasarugi replies softly, "It is a...sore point...the last words spoken between Daidoji Ryu and Doji Kusanagi were words of anger over that very issue..." he trails off, clearly unwilling to say more, "gather you squad.  I fear you have much work ahead of you."

"Kedo-san," Daidoji Tomoe says quietly to the ronin in passing, "if you are afforded the opportunity, come to the Artisan district during the hour of Togashi."

"The Honor of the Doji often clashes with the Duty of the Daidoji" Sakura replied with a bow, "had the Crane's need not been so great during the War, I would have been reviled instead of honored. Yet it is those same traits that sent me here, something that Kuwanan-Dono did not do lightly. Though he did not tell me so, I suspect that this means that our need here is equally great."

"If you'll pardon me ..."

With Kasarugi's permission*, Sakura returned to the others. Sakura looked around at her erstwhile team.

"We have much to do. Tsukiko-San, I would like you to examine the crime scene whenever you can. Satoru-San, you are welcome to come with us if you wish. I would welcome your advice, but only you can know where you must go.""

"Akibieden-San, I am grateful for your offer -- you and Tsukiko can help me with a very important matter."

"Well" Sakura continued with a chuckle, looking around at her team, <Blue>"I suspect that Kedo-Kun and myself are the only ones on the team that do not know that answers to my question. Do you know of any Samurai from other clans with investigation or magisterial experience that you believe would be useful? I thought I saw a Tsuruchi earlier, and it's possible that the Dragon have one among them trained in the Kitsuki method."

"Since I am new to the city, someone will have to show me where the deceased commander's quarters are."

Sakura did not know who was here recently, as only three arrived today in the party sent by Doji Kuwanan. Daidoji Sakura patiently awaited replies from the others.

 Consciousness flows back into Kedos eyes as his mind navigates back from a world encompassed by the strokes of an ink-pen in order to parse the Sensei's words and he turns smoothly to offer a small bow. "I shall endeavour to do so, if it is possible to meet the appointment without unduly disrupting my ward's schedule." he answers with no more than a casual glance down the hall towards Daidoji Sakura, as though assuring himself that she's not managed to explode in the short time the meeting has stretched across.

Doji Minako entered the city gates of Toshi Ranbo after showing her papers to the local guards. She walked idly down to the main street unsure about where should she go. It seemed to her that she shouldn't be focusing at her studies more than actually living in the world that she has learned about, from all those scrolls back at the Kyuden Asako.

"Doji Akibieden-sama, I will accompany Daidoji Sakura-sama, if you permit it. The riddle of this murder weighs heavily on my mind." Satoru says with a bow to both. He awaits Akibieden's answer, his face a mask of emotions.

Your wisdom is your greatest asset satoru-san. Certainly it would be best afforded to Sakura-san at this time. I would also like to be kept informed as to the progress of the investigation so perhaps you can act as my eyes and ears in that regard.
Then to Sakura-san, "Tsuruchi Hidemoto or Tsuruchi Koizumi of the mantice may be of use to you Sakura-san. As for the dragon, Kitsuki Ryoma and his associates are honorable men."

Satoru bows but says nothing more.

"I have business with in the city that requires my attention, If I am not further required I honorably request that I may go do it." Kumi says with a bow

There is a small commotion in the back of the room as one of the doors opens.  An ashigaru enters surreptitiously and whispers something to one of the Daidoji guards before slipping back out and ushering a young woman wearing the colors of the Crane and a mon displaying a crane and phoenix together into the room.  The Daidoji escorts her to Doji Kasarugi.

"This is Doji Minako, Doji Kasarugi-sama," the Daidoji bows, "a guest of the Phoenix, newly arrived in Toshi Ranbo."

Satoru watches the new guest passively, 'guest of the Phoenix' had many implications, but none to be alarmed about. Still she presented another piece to an already crowded puzzle.

Sakura nodded to Akibieden's suggestions. "As soon as we have had a chance to investigate we shall enlist their aide. I thank you for your assistance."

Sakura was momentarily distracted by newly arrived "guest of the Phoenix". Heraldry was not her forte', but Sakura looked over the new arrival closely anyway.

'Please don't be an Ishi ...'

[Sakura/Kasumi's two worst nightmares -- in order: Ishi and Kitsuki. But, Duty calls ...

Sakura will spend a Void to gain a temporary rank in Heraldry if she has to ...]

Doji Minako walks slowly a few steps forward and bows deeply.
"It is an honor meeting you Doji-sama, I hope I can be of service."

[Private to GM: Rolls a courtier roll to discern Sakura's feelings with her Empathy

14:04, Today: Doji Minako rolled 44 using 7d10 with rolls of 4,10,10,8,2,7,3. Empathy
14:06, Today: Doji Minako rolled 6 using 2d10 with rolls of 5,1. exploding dice.
Total roll 39=7k3+5]

As she bowed her eyes at the other persons in the room and fixed for a while at Daidoji Sakura as if reading her, before turning her gaze at Doji Kasarugi's feet.

[Private to Daidoji Sakura: You never know!!  :D]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:08, Tue 03 June 2008.

 The small commotion lifts Kedos eyes as well, drawing his attention from his companion for a moment as he assures himself that all is well and no harm is about to befall anyone before returning his soft-voiced conversation and contemplation as he waits for the chance to be of use once more.

"As the Dragon say, Doji Minako-san," Doji Kasarugi bows, "these are interesting times.  The Lion wait at our doorstep for any sign of weakness prepared to strike and the commander of our forces here in Toshi Ranbo has been murdered.  A less auspicious beginning to Winter Court would be difficult to imagine, but the Crane have endured worse.  I know that you are newly arrived to our fair city and I wish that I could offer you the time you need to get settled, but the Crane have need of your services.  The broad base of knowledge that you have gained amongst our Phoenix cousins will serve the Crane best in the investigation of Doji Kusanagi's untimely demise, so I have assigned you to serve under Daidoji Sakura for the time being."

As Doji Kasarugi reviews the situation for the new arrival, an elderly Crane in the colors of the Kakita approaches Doji Akibieden, at his side is Kakita Tsutomu--the former ronin who was sparring with Kedo earlier today.

"Chui-dono," he bows, "I am Kakita Asakura, formerly in command of the Southern Kaisha.  I know that you have much to accomplish and it is my hope that I may have some knowledge that you might find useful."

[Private to Doji Minako: you feel Daidoji Sakura is concerned, not with the Phoenix Ishiken themselves, but with what they might discover]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:23, Tue 03 June 2008.

"Thank you, I shall do my best Doji-sama" she bowed again and stepped back placing her self next to Daidoji Sakura.

"I am honored to have your assistance Kakita-sama. As soon as This meeting is concluded I wish to call a meeting with all the officers in my command and formulate a defencive strategy. I would be honored If you would attend. If you wish we can speak in private before the men have gathered." I say with a deep bow.

Sakura looked to Minako as the latter stood by the former.

"I must inquire -- what is the nature of your training?"

[I still need to hear from Daidoji Tsukiko before I can move on. Apparently  Kakita Zenko is no longer with us?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:57, Thu 05 June 2008.

Minako smiled gently and added "I'm a courtier and librarian, trained by the Asako and you Sakura-san must be a Shugenja, am I right"

"You are correct" Sakura replied.

 As the situation unfolds it seems less and less likely that Doji Akibieden will get his way and have the services of Kedo on-hand to provide an eyewitness account of the forces lingering outside the city, as it's quite obvious that Daidoji Sakura will be involved in investigating the dire murder - a task that will assuredly see her Ronin 'yojimbo' no further from her side than he is at this minute until it's completed (and probably a great deal closer, since he's still standing politely out of earshot, waiting for the discussion between honourable samurai to finish so that he can rejoin his charge).

"so Sakura-san, how can I be of service... should we head on to the crime scene to investigate?"